Why did Macron bring EU chief von der Leyen to China talks?

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Macron Brought EU Chief Von Der Leyen to China to Emphasise a Unified European Stance on Global Issues

French President Emmanuel Macron brought European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to China to underscore a consistent European approach to international affairs, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Von der Leyen's presence alongside Macron aimed to signal a united front from the European Union in its dealings with Beijing, especially given the increasingly complex nature of EU-China relations in a volatile geopolitical climate. This joint appearance was intended to highlight the shared European perspective on critical global challenges.
Unified European Approach to Ukraine

Macron stated that his decision to travel with von der Leyen was to "underline the consistency of this approach" regarding the war in Ukraine. This suggests a coordinated effort by European leaders to engage with China on the conflict, seeking to leverage Beijing's influence with Russia. The French President has expressed his belief that China can play a "major role" in achieving peace and welcomed China's stated willingness to contribute to a resolution, indicating a desire for a unified European voice in these diplomatic efforts.
Complex EU-China Relations

Von der Leyen described the relationship between the European Union and China as having become "complex in recent years." She emphasised the importance of discussing all facets of this relationship collectively, particularly in the current "volatile geopolitical environment." This sentiment points to a broader recognition within the EU of the multifaceted and evolving nature of its ties with China, encompassing economic, political, and security dimensions.
Addressing Economic Imbalances

Beyond the geopolitical discussions, the EU's economic relationship with China was also a significant point of discussion. Von der Leyen indicated her intention to raise the European Union's substantial trade deficit with China. She attributed this growing deficit, in part, to "discriminatory practices," suggesting a focus on addressing trade imbalances and ensuring fairer economic exchanges between the EU and China.

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Why did Macron bring EU chief von der Leyen to China talks?

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